Summary

The Bureau of Public Roads, Department of Commerce, asked GAO about the legality of reimbursements to states for the costs of repairs performed by state and county convict labor on roads damaged by Army maneuvers.

GAO found that P.L. 82-177 authorizes the repair of roads damaged by armed forces maneuvers. Further, it amended section 12 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1950 to authorize the appropriation of funds for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of section 6 of the Defense Highway Act of 1941, which authorizes the Commissioner of Public Roads to provide for the construction and improvement of access roads to military and naval reservations, to defense industries, and for other purposes.